Austin Hubbard admits he was ‘super nervous, stressed out’ before UFC on ESPN 55 win

and Ken Hathaway

April 28, 2024 at 4:50 p.m.·8 min read

LAS VEGAS – Austin Hubbard felt the weight of needing a victory to justify being brought back to UFC for a second stint at UFC on ESPN 55.

After suffering a submission loss to Kurt Holobaugh in “The Ultimate Fighter 31” lightweight finale in August, Hubbard knew he could be potentially fighting for his job again when he stepped into the cage with Michal Figlak on Saturday at the UFC Apex.

It was hard to put the optics out of his mind, but Hubbard (16-7 MMA, 4-5 UFC) did that for 15 minutes, and left with a unanimous decision victory over Figlak (8-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC) for his first win under the UFC banner in April 2021.

“I’m just relieved,” Hubbard told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at UFC on ESPN 55. “I was super nervous, stressed out all camp. I just wanted to come here, get a win and I did that. Now, I can breathe a little.

“He comes forward hard. He’s a talented young fighter. He throws heat. He’s constantly coming forward. This was the fight I was expecting, and he brought it and I feel like I brought it. I hope it was entertaining for everyone.”

Hubbard’s first run in the UFC was not ideal. He went 3-4 with the promotion, alternating wins and losses all along the way. He was released, but ultimately brought back on a “TUF” season that consisted of a team of other UFC veterans trying to get back to the sport’s biggest stage.

Although he faltered in the season finals against Holobaugh, it didn’t make Hubbard think he didn’t belong. He said he’s the most mature he’s ever been and thinks that’s going to lead to newfound success moving forward.

“I’ve learned a lot from my first stint on through to where I am right now,” Hubbard said. “A lot of things in my life has changed. I’ve learned a lot of lessons. I’ve evolved as a person, as a fighter and I feel like – I don’t want to say I’ve got it figured out. But I’ve got it more figured out. Just looking to keep growing off this and keep climbing and putting consistent wins together.

“I’m very determined to put consistent wins together. Keep winning. Obviously my first stint I went win one, lose one, win one, lose one. I know what I am capable of and I am capable of putting consistent wins together and I Just need to go out there and do it.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 55.

Maheshate---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 Benitz vs Maheshate ufc on espn 55 faceoff

image

gallery

Hayisaer Maheshate def Gabriel Benitez via split decision UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Ivana-Petrovic---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Petrovic vs Na ufc on espn 55 faceoff

image

gallery

Ivana Petrovic def. Na Liang via submission at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Chris-Padilla---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Lliontop vs Padilla ufc on espn 55 faceoff

image

gallery

Chris Padilla def. James Llontop via submission UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Ketlen-Souza----ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Mann vs Souza ufc on espn 55 faceoff

image

gallery

Ketlen Souza def. Maarnic Mann via decision at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Don'Tale-Mayes---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Mayes vs Machado

image

gallery

Don'Tale Mayes def. Caio Machado via decision at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Austen-Hubbard---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Hubbard vs Figlak ufc on espn 55 faceoff

image

gallery

Austin Hubbard def. Michal Figlak via decision at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Victor-Henry---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Yahya vs Henry ufc on espn 55 faceoff

image

gallery

Victor Henry def. Rani Yahya via TKO at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Uros-Medic---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Means vs Medic ufc on espn 55 faceoff

Means vs Medic

image

gallery

Uros Medic def. Tim Means via TKO at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

David-Onama---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Pearce vs Onama ufc on espn 55 faceoff

Pearce vs Onama

image

gallery

David Onama def. Jonathan Pearce via decision at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Jhonata-Diniz---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Lane vs Diniz ufc on espn 55 faceoff

Lane vs Diniz

image

gallery

Jhonata Diniz def. Austen Lane via knockout at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Karine-Silva---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 da Silvs vs Silva ufc on espn 55 faceoff

da Silvs vs Silva

image

gallery

Karine Silva def. Ariane da Silva via decision at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Bogdan-Guskov---ufc-on-espn-55-weigh-in-

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Spann vs Guskov

Spann vs Guskov

image

gallery

Bogdan Guskov def. Ryan Spann via TKO at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Alex Perez- ufc on espn 55 weigh in

image

gallery

UFC on ESPN 55 - Nicolau vs Perez ufc on espn 55 faceoff

image

gallery

Alex Perez def. Matheus Nicolau via knockout at UFC on ESPN 55 scorecard

image

gallery

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie

The Canadian Press
Colorado Avalanche try to forge ahead after losing Valeri Nichushkin to six-month suspension
DENVER (AP) — The nameplate above the locker for Valeri Nichushkin has already been removed at the Colorado Avalanche's practice facility. It could be just for now — or possibly for good. For a second consecutive year, the Avalanche are on the brink of elimination from the playoffs with Nichushkin, one of their top players, unavailable due to circumstances away from the ice. This may be the last straw for the Avs when it comes to the talented 29-year-old Russian forward. Nichushkin was suspended
USA TODAY Sports - Golfweek
Rory McIlroy files for divorce from wife, Erica, day before arriving for 2024 PGA Championship
The couple were together for seven years.
People
Chrissy Teigen Covers “SI Swimsuit” in Barely There One-Piece 10 Years After Her Last Sexy Appearance
The mogul last covered the publication in 2014 alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge
USA TODAY Sports - Golfweek
This top 100 player withdrew from 2024 PGA Championship, marking his third WD in four starts
He withdrew from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson two weeks ago after a first-round 80.
USA TODAY Sports
MLB may have to act on strike-stealing after catcher's gruesome injury: 'Classic risk-reward'
Willson Contreras broke his arm getting hit by a swing last week, shining a spotlight on the risk catchers are taking in the name of efficiency.
The Canadian Press
Tavares scores in OT, rescues Canada from potential upset in 7-6 win over Austria
PRAGUE, Czechia — Captain John Tavares scored 15 seconds into overtime and saved his teammates some embarrassment as Canada held on for a 6-5 win over Austria on Tuesday at the world hockey championship. Tavares ended the extra session quickly, taking the puck from behind centre ice, then skating into the Austrian zone and ripping a shot past goaltender David Madlener. It was unlikely anyone on the Canadian bench would have thought such heroics would have been necessary after 40 minutes of play.
TVLine.com
Did The Voice’s John Legend Just Issue the Biggest Dis Since Adam Levine?
Good news for Adam Levine. The former Voice coach may finally start to live down the Season 15 gaffe that found him pleading with viewers to save one of his contestants (who had been too ill to sing) over another (who actually had performed). The show of favoritism dogged the Maroon 5 frontman until and …
USA TODAY Sports - Golfweek
‘Gabby Golf Girl’ is more than just a social media sensation
Gabriella DeGasperis is a force of nature.
The Canadian Press
Soucy suspended one game, Zadorov fined for cross-checks on McDavid
EDMONTON — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Carson Soucy has been suspended one game for a cross-check on Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. A skirmish began after the final buzzer sounded in Vancouver's 4-3 victory in Game 3 Sunday after Soucy shoved McDavid behind the Canucks' net and McDavid responded by hitting Soucy's leg with his stick. Canucks blue liner Nikita Zadorov then cross-checked McDavid from behind, and Soucy cross-checked the Oilers captain in the face as he was falling. Souc
Kansas City Star
In her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut, Brittany Mahomes models bikinis in 40 photos
“Gonna be epic,” Brittany Mahomes promised her Instagram followers just before the new Swimsuit Issue debuted. And she played a Taylor Swift song.
Associated Press
It's a boy! Scottie Scheffler arrives at PGA Championship with a newborn at home
Masters champion Scottie Scheffler arrived at Valhalla on Monday for the PGA Championship and received congratulations at every turn, none related to any of his victories. Scheffler said he and his wife named the baby Bennett. Jon Rahm was among the first to greet Scheffler on the putting green, gave him a hug and said, “Have you had much sleep?” Rahm has two sons.
The Canadian Press
Bruins captain Brad Marchand is out for Game 5 against the Panthers
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Bruins captain Brad Marchand will not play in Game 5 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, coach Jim Montgomery said. Marchand traveled with the team to Florida but is “not an option tonight,” Montgomery said after the team’s morning skate. Marchand, the team’s leading scorer in this year’s playoffs before he was injured, was staggered on a hit to his head from Panthers forward Sam Bennett in the first period of Game 3
PA Media: Sport
Tiger Woods admits his part in tour-LIV talks could cost him Ryder Cup captaincy
Negotiations between the PGA Tour, DP World and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – which bankrolls LIV Golf – have been ongoing.
Yahoo Sports
Where does Jared Goff’s $212M extension leave Dak Prescott and Cowboys?
In one scenario, Dallas makes Prescott the highest paid player in NFL history. In another, the Cowboys decline that commitment, at which point another team will make him the top paid player in NFL history.
USA TODAY Sports - Golfweek
This Florida golf course was devastated by tornadoes: ‘How bad you may think it was, it was worse’
Neihaus said “hundreds and hundreds” of trees along the course were downed, snapped or shredded by the winds.
The Canadian Press
The coaching carousel spins fast in the NHL: Job security just doesn't exist
Paul Maurice is in his second season coaching the Florida Panthers, trying to guide them to a second consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. It was pointed out to him not long ago that, in his current profession, two years seems like an eternity. Such is the life he chose. “Tough business,” Maurice said. “Could have been a doctor.” Job security is basically an oxymoron in the world of professional coaching, and the turnover rate right now in the NHL is wild. In the four biggest U.S. pro
The Canadian Press
Oilers starting Calvin Pickard in goal for Game 4 vs. Canucks
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers will start Calvin Pickard in net tonight for Game 4 of their playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks. The 32-year-old journeyman netminder replaces Stuart Skinner, who was pulled in the third period of Edmonton's 4-3 loss to Vancouver on Sunday after giving up four goals on 15 shots. Pickard is making his first start in the NHL playoffs after making 20 appearances for the Oilers in the regular season. The six-foot-one, 206-pound goalie went 12-7-1 with a 2.45 goa
TVLine.com
Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé Join The Voice Season 26 — Plus, Find Out Which Coaches Are Returning
Ahead of Season 26 of The Voice, NBC’s long-running sing-off has offered red swivel chairs to two new coaches: Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé, the network announced Monday. The duo will join Reba McEntire, who is returning for her third consecutive cycle, and Gwen Stefani, who is coming back for her eighth non-consecutive season. (Maybe …
The Canadian Press
Depleted Blue Jays stoked to overcome illness, beat Orioles 3-2
BALTIMORE (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays are having a hard enough time this year when their lineup is healthy. So Monday's 3-2 win in 10 innings over the American League's top team — with several Toronto players battling illness — was a potential turning point. “You don't want to say May 13 is a huge game, but this was a huge (expletive) win," manager John Schneider said. “We had nine guys, and we obviously had no moves to make. … I told them before the game, 'There's no secrets here boys. You're
Lexington Herald-Leader
Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan isn’t the favorite for the Preakness. See field with odds.
Mystik Dan is in the field, but it’s a Bob Baffert-trained horse that’s the favorite for the Preakness Stakes.

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Share this

Latest Stories